July 17, 2017 - For the fifth consecutive year, tuition for nearly 13,000 students at Westchester Community College (WCC) will not increase under a proposed budget that was submitted by County Executive Robert P. Astorino to the Board of Legislators on Friday.
“Working closely with the college’s leadership, we are able to propose a budget that keeps tuition flat for the fifth year in a row,” Astorino said. “WCC is where so many students go for a quality and affordable education so that they can make a better life for themselves and their families. We must find ways to keep public education affordable and a tuition increase would hurt far too many of WCC’s students.”
The $122 million operating budget for the 2017-2018 school year includes a $29.9 million sponsor contribution from the county, an increase of $67,000 over last year and $500,000 from the year before.
“We propose a budget that prioritizes an affordable and high quality education for Westchester Community College’s students and families,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of Westchester Community College. “No tuition increases for five years is notable within New York State and a testament to our collaborative partnership with Westchester County leadership.”
Westchester Community College's Board of Trustees unanimously approved the college’s budget amid its deliberations about national trends in college affordability and financial challenges facing students.
Additionally, WCC’s capital budget includes $2.16 million for four projects, which include technology upgrades at several locations on-and-off-campus along with site improvements throughout campus and a proposal to assess planning and infrastructure needs going forward.
The Board of Legislators is scheduled to vote on the budget on Aug. 7. The college’s fiscal year begins on Sept. 1.